The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Too Hard to Say Goodbye" by the artist "Westlife"

The song "Too Hard to Say Goodbye" by Westlife is a heartfelt ballad about the grief and struggle to come to terms with the loss of a loved one, most likely a father.

The song begins with the narrator consumed by memories, admitting that the deceased's presence is ever-present in his mind ("Every time I close my eyes, I see your face"). Despite the pain of loss, there's solace in the belief that the deceased still watches over him ("You're in my heart and I know that you're watching over me").

The lyrics then delve into the profound bond between the narrator and the deceased. The line "Standing here beside you, I used to feel so fly" evokes a sense of security, inspiration, and boundless possibilities that the relationship brought. The narrator admires the deceased's strength and wisdom, longing to possess even a fraction of those qualities ("If I was only half the man you are in my eyes..."). He believes these qualities would equip him to face any hardship life throws his way.

However, the reality of loss is inescapable. The narrator cannot change the past or halt the flow of time ("I can't rewind or stop time"), and the pain of saying goodbye is unbearable. The repeated line "It's just too hard to say goodbye" emphasizes the depth of his despair and unwillingness to let go.

The song highlights that the deceased was not just a loved one but also a guiding figure who taught the narrator everything he knows ("You taught me everything, you never let me fall..."). The unbreakable bond between father and son, transcending even death, is particularly emphasized ("The love between a father and son will never end").

Despite his grief, the narrator acknowledges the inevitability of a future where he must forge his own path ("There'll come a day when I have to stand on my own..."). He embraces this challenge, drawing strength from the lessons imparted by the deceased and vowing to keep his memory alive ("You taught me everything, Dad, I'll never let you go").

The repetition of "It's just too hard to say goodbye" towards the end underscores the unbearable nature of the loss and that saying goodbye is a long and painful process. The final words, "I just can't say goodbye," indicate that the narrator is not ready to let go and may never truly be.